Original U.S. Lend-Lease British MkIII A Signal Flare Pistol by Harrington & Richardson - Serial Number A813

Original Item: Only one available. This is something we have not had before! Here we have a wonderful U.S. made flare pistol by Harrington and Richardson, Mark IIIA, who had previously made flare pistols during the First World War. These pistols are characterized by beautiful traditional manufacturing methods of forging and machining, and are really a thing of beauty.

These pistols were made for Great Britain under the U.S. "Lend-Lease" program, which had started before the U.S. officially entered the war.

The top of the machined barrel is marked with the H & R address logo:

H.&R. WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A.
MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR
COWDREY & CO. INC. NEW YORK.

What makes this gun even rarer is its barrel address showing it was manufactured for Cowdrey & Co. in New York City. Very few examples are known with this marking.

The side of the frame is marked with MARK III A / ONE INCH, giving the specification of the British design. Breaking open the pistol reveals a serial number of 813 on the bottom of the barrel, which matches the numbers on the bottom front of the grip frame and on the breech locking lever.

This is a great Lend-Lease flare pistol from WWII, ready for further research and display!